Simon says food stamp use rises at farmers markets

BLOOMINGTON — Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon says more people who use food stamps are shopping at Illinois farmers markets.

Simon announced at the Illinois Farm Bureau that food stamps — otherwise known as LINK — redeemed at markets increased last year to more than $41,000. That's compared to about $11,000 in 2009.

And access to fresh foods at farmers markets is growing for low-income Illinoisans.

Simon said last year 35 farmers markets and farmers who did direct marketing accepted food stamps. She says that number currently is up to 49 in 21 counties in Illinois. She says there's room to grow with over 300 farmers markets and direct-marketing farmers in the state.